Skip to content

For what is time? ... Who can even in thought comprehend…

“For what is time? ... Who can even in thought comprehend it, so as to utter a word about it? ... If no one asks me, I know: If I wish to explain it to one that asketh, I know not.” quote by Saint Augustine
Download Open image
“For what is time? ... Who can even in thought comprehend it, so as to utter a word about it? ... If no one asks me, I know: If I wish to explain it to one that asketh, I know not.”

Saint Augustine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Time is beyond human comprehension; attempts to define it fail, revealing its mystery.

In simple terms: Time is unknowable.

Key Takeaway

Accept the mystery of time.

Themes

philosophy existence time

Mood

contemplative humble

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • daily planning
  • long‑term goals
  • mindfulness

Key Concepts

metaphysics epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you experience time subjectively?
  • Can we ever truly measure time?
A Different Perspective

Human language may be insufficient to capture time.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Saint Augustine

Explore all 672 Saint Augustine quotes

More Ask me quotes

Browse all 1,282 Ask me quotes